— The hotel
Riga Modern Apartment
Riga Modern Apartment sits tucked in a quiet corner of Ziepniekkalna iela, just a two‑minute stroll from the bustle of the Old Town. I’d been there for a weekend in late October, when the city is still humming from the autumn festivals but the streets have a chill that makes you want to wrap up in a woolen scarf. The building itself is unassuming—plain white façade, a few brass handles, no grand lobby—but that’s part of its charm. It feels like a hidden gem that only locals know about, and honestly, that’s why I love it.
Check‑in was a breeze—no waiting in a long line, just a quick swipe of my phone for the apartment key. I mean, it’s 3 pm, so there’s no rush, and the staff were friendly enough to point out the best coffee shop on the corner of Ķīne Street (they serve a latte that’s actually better than most chain spots). The apartment itself is a clean, airy space with a minimalist vibe. The living area spills out onto a small balcony that offers a view of the cobblestone streets below, where you can hear the distant chatter of tourists and the faint clink of glasses from a nearby bistro. The walls are a soft, neutral tone, and the floorboards are a worn‑in oak that’s surprisingly warm underfoot. The kitchen is surprisingly functional for a single person—there’s a compact fridge, a single burner stove, and a small sink that’s perfect for washing a couple of plates. I made a simple pasta dish the first night, and the space felt big enough to cook without feeling cramped.
Noise-wise, it’s a mixed bag. Daytime is relatively quiet, especially if you close the windows, but in the evenings around 8–9 pm, you’ll hear the city’s nightlife spill over—laughter, music, and sometimes the occasional honk from a taxi that’s been stuck in traffic for a bit. I found that the curtains are a little thin, so if you’re a light sleeper, it might be worth bringing earplugs or sleeping with the window slightly ajar to let in a bit of the ambient city hum. The apartment is in a mixed‑use building, so I did hear the occasional thump from the hallway below—like a neighbor dropping a bag of groceries, but nothing that made me want to quit my stay.
Parking is a challenge, honestly. There isn’t a dedicated spot for guests, so if you’re driving, you’ll have to do street parking on Ziepniekkalna or hop into a nearby paid meter. The city’s parking meters are a bit of a headache if you’re not used to them, but the city also has a decent bike‑share program, and I found a station just a block away that was full of bikes on the weekend. That’s a great way to get around without the hassle of parking. For public transport, the nearest bus stop is on Lielā Pils Street, and from there you can hop on a bus that takes you straight into the Old Town, a 15‑minute walk from the hotel. The metro is a bit farther away, but it’s still accessible if you’re planning to explore the wider outskirts of Rīga.
The only real critique I have is about the Wi‑Fi; the signal is decent but can be spotty in the evenings. I had to move the laptop closer to the window to get a stronger connection. For most travelers, that’s a minor hiccup, especially if you’re planning to take a quick break from the screen and enjoy the city instead. The price point is fair for a three‑star property in this area, and the rating of 9.5 on the review site is well‑deserved. The staff left a small box of local honey on the kitchen counter—thought it was a nice little touch, and you can’t go wrong with a taste of Latvian honey, which is actually sweet and floral, not overpowering.
All things considered, staying at this place feels like having a quiet, stylish base that’s close enough to everything you’d want to see. It’s not a luxury resort, but it’s a solid, comfortable spot that offers a slice of everyday Rīga life without the touristy fluff. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to experience the city’s vibe without the high‑end noise and crowds, especially if you’re after that authentic, local feel that makes a trip memorable.
Apartments in Riga provide travelers with authentic local experiences, allowing them to explore traditional Latvian markets and cook with fresh Baltic specialties.